On Thursday, July 6th, our dear friend, Dan Bryan suffered a sudden, acute, embolic stroke while working out in the gym in his building in Chicago where he lives with his wife of 17 years, Meghan, and their two beautiful daughters, Blake (7 years) and Remy (5 years). That day changed everything for their family. The part of the brain that was injured by the stroke has left Dan without much movement on the right side of his body and resulted in a specific type of language difficulty called aphasia, which is difficulty coming up with words and putting words together. For those that know Dan, he is a man of many words. Dan beautifully expresses his thoughts, his dreams, and his passions. He has the biggest heart, the warmest soul, and incredible wit. His social media posts as a world traveler, independent consultant, wine connoisseur, and self-trained chef have brightened many of our days with vivid imagery and descriptions of food, drink, and culture. Although the physical difficulties of re-learning to walk and perform everyday activities are what we can all visually see, the emotional and mental toll of having to search for words to create meaning is the toughest challenge right now. We are so grateful to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago where Dan is currently participating in intensive rehabilitation. We are anticipating discharge to home around mid-August after a month-long total hospital and rehab stay. However, stroke recovery is a marathon and there is a long road ahead. Dan will not be able to work in the near future and Meghan will be needing to return to work. There are direct needs in the short-term for transportation assistance to and from Shirley Ryan for daily outpatient therapy and doctor appointments, childcare costs, healthcare costs, meals, and groceries. Dan's strength and resilience have always been an inspiration to us all. He has faced adversity with unwavering courage, and we do not doubt that he will continue to do so throughout this journey. We are in awe of his unshakeable spirit and determination, which will undoubtedly guide him through the challenges that lie ahead. During this time, we kindly ask for your support, love, prayers and as able, financial assistance. Your words of encouragement and positive energy will provide comfort and strength to Dan, Meghan and the girls as they navigate this new reality. Let us come together as a community, united in love and compassion, to uplift him and the family during this difficult time. Please share Dan’s journey with your friends and family to consider offering any financial assistance you can spare which will support short-term acute needs for daily transportation, respite care for Meghan, childcare costs and unexpected healthcare expenditures. Dan and Meghan want to express their utmost gratitude to friends and family who have already been supporting them in countless practical, emotional, and financial ways--to their army, thank you. Your presence and care means so much to their recovery. With love, Friends of the Bryans
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